WO2010071719A1

WO2010071719A1 - Handbag support article

Info

Publication number: WO2010071719A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/063770
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christina M. Emerick; Eva L. Paredes
Original assignee: Thibi Llc
Priority date: 2008-12-16
Filing date: 2009-11-09
Publication date: 2010-06-24
Also published as: US20100147906A1

Abstract

A handbag support has a resiliently flexible cylindrical core with an inner surface and an outer surface. A first cylindrical padding layer is concentric with the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and adjacent to its outer surface. An outer fabric layer completely encases the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and the first cylindrical padding layer. The adjacent core and padding layers are inside the outer fabric layer, such that the handbag support article as a whole forms a flexibly resilient padded cylinder. Enveloping the handbag support article may be an outer skin layer of a luxurious material such as silk, which may have a zippered opening so as to be removable. A method of manufacturing a handbag support article includes providing sheets of materials for the resiliently flexible core and the padding layer, forming them into cylinders, and encasing them within an outer fabric layer and optionally an outer skin layer.

Description

HANDBAG SUPPORT ARTICLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to a utility patent application serial number 12/335,735 electronically filed on December 16, 2008, entitled "Handbag Support Article," which is incorporated by reference into the instant application as if set forth verbatim.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to handbag accessories, and more particularly to an article for providing an internal support structure for handbags in storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Handbags are more than simply a means of transporting personal items. Rather, they have become both fashion accessories and investments in their own right. For example, designer handbags may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Further, a handbag may still be fashionable many years after it was made. Accordingly, it is important to protect that investment by ensuring the handbag is not damaged while in storage or during other extended periods when the handbag is not being used.

[0004] However, protecting a handbag is not a simple matter of placing it inside a box or bag and leaving it in a closet for weeks or months on end. Luxury handbags are often made from leather, suede, fur, silk, fine textiles and other delicate and exotic materials that are easily susceptible to permanent damage. Further, handbags are designed with the intent that they be in an expanded and upright shape. In other words, they are not designed to be collapsed or compressed. As such, it is important to keep handbags in the shape intended by the designers.

[0005] However, many handbags, particularly large ones, naturally tend to collapse inwardly when empty. While this does not immediately cause damage, permanent creases and wrinkles may develop on the outer surface of the handbag walls if left in a collapsed condition for long periods of time. As handbags are not designed to be neglected and left in a collapsed state, it is not surprising that this type of damage occurs. Similarly, embellishments such as quilting or stitching on the outer surface of a handbag may become creased, wrinkled, or otherwise damaged if the handbag is left in a collapsed condition for long periods of time. This undesirable damage to the outer surfaces of a handbag not only harms the handbag's aesthetic appeal, it also decreases its value as a long-term investment.

[0006] Similarly, many handbags have metal hardware such as rings, buckles, zippers or simply decorative metal objects attached to outer surfaces. However, the metal pieces may abrade or indent the surface of the handbag if the handbag is placed in storage in a collapsed configuration. This is another type of damage that can be prevented by ensuring that a handbag is never stored for long periods of time with its sides collapsed inwardly.

[0007] Attempts have been made to solve this problem in the past. The most common solution is to fill the handbag with a stuffing such as paper, plastic filler or plastic air fillers in order to maintain the handbag in an upright position and to accentuate its shape. However, filling a handbag with stuffing is undesirable because it completely fills the inside of the handbag. This not only prevents a handbag owner from storing items inside the handbag while the handbag is in storage, it also prevents access to inner pockets and compartments. Further, many luxury handbags also have expensive delicate materials internal linings made from leather, suede, or silk and the like. When the stuffing material is tightly compressed inside the handbag and exposed directly to the internal lining, the delicate lining materials may be unable to breathe, thus creating hardening, cracking or discoloration. Additionally, each time a handbag owner inserts or removes stuffing, the stuffing material slides against the lining of the handbag. Over time, this repeated abrasion may also damage the lining.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an article that provides structural support for a handbag in storage without damaging the inside of the handbag. Further, there is a need for an article that provides internal structural support for a handbag yet still allows for storage of items inside the handbag. Ideally, such an article would not be purely utilitarian but would be an attractive accessory in its own right.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a handbag support article that satisfies these needs. The handbag support has a resiliently flexible cylindrical core with an inner surface and an outer surface. A first cylindrical padding layer is concentric with the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and adjacent to its outer surface. An outer fabric layer completely encases the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and the first cylindrical padding layer. Thus, the adjacent core and padding layers are inside the outer fabric layer, such that the handbag support article as a whole forms a flexibly resilient padded cylinder. Enveloping the handbag support article may be an outer skin layer of a luxurious material such as silk.

[0010] The first cylindrical padding layer may be immediately adjacent to the resiliently flexible core, or there may be an intervening layer of another material. In embodiments of the handbag support article in which the first cylindrical padding layer and the flexible core are immediately adjacent, the padding layer may be bonded to the core. This bonding may be, for example, an adhesive or heat weld. The bond may cover the entire surfaces of the padding layer and core, or only a portion of those surfaces. For example, only the edges of the padding layer and the core may be bonded.

[0011] The handbag support article has a natural expanded configuration in which it is cylindrical in shape, for example it may be a generally a round or elliptical cylinder. However, as the handbag support article is flexible and compressible, it may be compressed into many different shapes. More particularly, it is to be understood that the handbag support article is not necessarily cylindrical when in its compressed configuration.

[0012] The handbag support article may further comprise a second cylindrical padding layer concentric with the resiliently flexible core. This second padding layer is adjacent to the inner surface of the resiliently flexible core. Thus, in this alternative version of the invention, the handbag support article has padding on both sides of the resiliently flexible core. Like the first padding layer and the core, the second cylindrical padding layer is encased by the outer fabric layer. The second cylindrical padding layer may or may not be immediately adjacent to and/or bonded with the resiliently flexible core. The handbag support article may also further comprise a bottom surface so that the handbag support article has a closed bottom end, essentially making the handbag support article into a receptacle.

[0013] The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing a handbag support article. A sheet of resiliently flexible material having a first length, a first width and a first aspect ratio is provided. A soft padding material having a second length, a second width and a second aspect ratio is also provided. The second length is greater than the first length, the second width is greater than the first width, and the second aspect ratio is less than the first aspect ratio. Additionally, a fabric material having a third length, a third width and a third aspect ratio is provided. The third length is greater than the second length, the third width is greater than double the second width, and the third aspect ratio is less than the second aspect ratio. After providing these materials, the sheet of resiliently flexible material is formed into a first cylinder and the soft padding material is formed into a second cylinder concentric with and outside of the first cylinder. The sheet of resiliently flexible material and the soft padding material are encased within the fabric material by wrapping the fabric material around the sheet of resiliently flexible material and the soft padding material and joining opposite edges of the fabric material to each other. Optionally, the entire article thus formed may be enveloped in a outer skin layer of silk or other luxurious material.

[0014] In this method, the first cylinder may be formed by joining together opposite ends of the sheet of resiliently flexible material, for example by bonding or fastening. Similarly, the second cylinder may be formed by joining opposite ends of the soft padding material. The first cylinder may be joined to the second cylinder partially or completely, for example by bonding (including adhering or heat welding) or fastening.

[0015] The method of manufacturing a handbag support article may further include providing a second soft padding material having a fourth length, wherein the fourth length is less than the first length, and forming the second soft padding material into a third cylinder concentric with and inside of the first cylinder. Finally, the method of manufacturing a handbag support article may also include joining a fabric bottom layer to the bottom of the handbag support article, thus forming a receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handbag support article of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a top view of the handbag support article of Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a top view of an elliptically cylindrical handbag support article of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the construction of a wall of a handbag support article of the present invention. [0021] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative construction of a wall of a handbag support article of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 shows a top view of a handbag support article of Figure 1 with an optional fabric surface.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a top view of a sheet of resiliently flexible material used in the method of manufacturing a handbag support article of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 shows a top view of a soft padding material used in the method of manufacturing a handbag support article of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 shows a top view of a fabric material used in the method of manufacturing a handbag support article of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a handbag support article with a ruffled upper edge, shown in an expanded configuration.

[0027] Figure 11, shows a perspective view of the handbag support article of Figure 10, shown secured in a collapsed configuration by a ribbon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention is directed to a handbag support article that satisfies these needs. The handbag support has a resiliently flexible cylindrical core with an inner surface and an outer surface. A first cylindrical padding layer is concentric with the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and adjacent its outer surface. An outer fabric layer completely encases the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and the first cylindrical padding layer. Thus, the adjacent core and padding layers are inside the outer fabric layer, such that the handbag support article as a whole forms a flexibly resilient padded cylinder. Enveloping the handbag support article may be an outer skin layer of a luxurious material such as silk.

[0029] Due to the flexibly resilient character of the handbag support article of the present invention, the handbag support article may be squeezed or compressed by a user into a compressed configuration in which it fits inside a handbag. Once the handbag supported article is inside the handbag in its compressed configuration and the user ceases to apply compressive force, the handbag support article expands outward toward its natural expanded cylindrical configuration. As the handbag support article expands, it presses against the inner surfaces of the walls/sides of the handbag. This causes the handbag itself to expand and prevents the walls/sides of the handbag from collapsing inwardly. The handbag support article thus supports the handbag in a supported upright position.

[0030] The resiliently flexible core of the handbag support article may be any material that flexes but naturally returns to its original shape without becoming permanently deformed after small deflections. For example, the resiliently flexible core may be made of a polymer including different types of plastics, and is ideally both odorless and able to flex and bend without making undesirable noises. The first padding layer is a soft material that provides cushioning over the resiliently flexible core. The first padding layer is preferably a memory foam material such as ethylene vinyl acetate, but other polymeric foam materials such as polypropylene and silicone are also contemplated by the present invention. Besides cushioning, another advantage of the first padding layer is that it provides sound dampening if the resiliently flexible core makes noise as it deflects. In embodiments of the present invention in which there is a second padding layer, this layer may be made of the same material as the first padding layer or a different material. However, in any case the material should be soft so as to provide cushioning and sound dampening.

[0031] The outer fabric layer is a relatively soft but strong fabric which provides strength and holds the internal layers together, but also is not so rigid as to be abrasive. For example, the outer fabric layer may be polyester batting. Enveloping the outer fabric layer may be a skin layer of a luxurious material such as silk. This not only accentuates the aesthetic appeal of the handbag support article, but it also is less abrasive to delicate materials on the inside of handbags. The outer fabric layer, for example batting, may be stitched or otherwise attached to the outer skin layer. Finally, where the handbag support article also includes a bottom surface so that the handbag support article has a closed bottom end, the bottom surface may be made of any suitable fabric. For example, the bottom surface may be a mesh or lace material.

[0032] The exact dimensions of the handbag support article are not critical and vary from handbag to handbag. In other words, the size of the handbag support article should be generally proportional to the size of the handbag with which it will be used. Although the exact dimensions may vary, in one exemplary embodiment the ratio of the diameter of the handbag support article to its height is about 5 to 4. It is to be understood, however, that other proportions may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the ratio of the diameter of the handbag support article to its height may be both greater than 1 and less than 1.

[0033] To use the handbag support article of the present invention, a user first empties a handbag of substantially all of its contents. With the top of the handbag open, the user compresses the handbag support article until it reaches a size small enough to fit through the opening on the top of the handbag. The user then inserts the handbag support article completely inside the handbag. Once in position, the user releases the compressive force so that the handbag support article expands toward its natural expanded cylindrical configuration. Preferably, the user oriented the handbag support article such that, upon expansion, the open top end of the handbag support article faces upward toward the opening in the top of the handbag. It is to be understood, however, that the user may orient the handbag support article inside the handbag in any manner without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0034] As the handbag support article expands, it eventually comes into contact with the inner surfaces of the sides (i.e. walls) of the handbag, which may be collapsed inwardly under their own weight. Upon further expansion, the handbag support article begins to urge the sides of the handbag outward into a substantially upright position. Eventually the handbag support article stops expanding due to the reactive force exerted by the sides of the handbag. Once in this equilibrium position, the handbag support article provides internal support so that the handbag rests in an open and expanded configuration. In other words, the handbag support article allows the handbag to be stored in a shape such that its sides are not collapsed inward. In doing so, the handbag support article prevents creases, wrinkles and other damage from occurring to the handbag, even during extremely long periods of storage.

[0035] Once the handbag support article reaches its final expanded configuration inside the handbag, the user is free to store items inside the handbag by dropping them through the open top end of the handbag support article. Further, because the handbag support article is resiliently flexible, the user can at any time compress the handbag support article away from the sides of the handbag so as to access internal pockets and compartments in the handbag. This can be accomplished without removing the handbag support article. Finally, in embodiments of the handbag support article in which a bottom surface is present, any items placed inside the handbag are essentially caught by receptacle formed by the handbag support article and its bottom surface. Thus, any such items can all be removed at once by simply lifting handbag support article out of the handbag.

[0036] The advantages of the present invention are numerous. First and foremost, the handbag support article provides important protection for both the inner and outer surfaces of handbags. Outer surfaces are protected because the handbag support article prevents the handbag from collapsing. Thus, creases, wrinkles or abrasions do not occur after long periods of storage. Inner surfaces are protected because the outer surface of the handbag support article is preferably a non-abrasive material. Unlike paper or plastic stuffing materials used in the past, the handbag support article of the present invention will not abrade delicate inner surfaces of a handbag, even after being inserted and removed dozens of times.

[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is far superior to other methods of providing internal support for a handbag, such as stuffing it with paper, plastic or cardboard. If a user stuffs the handbag with these types of materials, the user must either throw them away after each use, or store them while the handbag is being used. If the user throws the stuffing away, the stuffing material is wasted. However, storing the stuffing material is also undesirable because it is likely to create a cluttered mess in the user's closet or other storage area. The handbag support article of the present invention, by contrast, is permanently reusable and easily stored when the handbag is in use. For example, the user can place the handbag support article into a different handbag, or simply compress it into small size and store it in a drawer or cabinet or the like. Importantly, the user no longer has to keep track of dozens of unsightly wads of paper or other material.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the appended figures, wherein like elements are referenced with like numerals throughout. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and do not necessarily show every detail or structure of the various embodiments of the invention, but rather illustrate exemplary features in order to provide an enabling description of such embodiments.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the handbag support article of the present invention. The handbag support article 10 is generally cylindrical in shape, having outer surface 12 and inner surface 14. As seen in Figure 2, the thickness of the wall of the handbag support article 10 between outer surface 12 and inner surface 14 is small compared to the diameter of the handbag support article 10, but the exact dimensions are not critical. Handbag support article 10 has upper edge 16 and bottom edge 18. Upper edge 16 encircles the open upper end of the handbag support article 10. Bottom edge 18 encircles the bottom end of the handbag support article 10, which may be open or closed in various embodiments. As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the handbag support article 10 may be either a round or elliptical cylinder.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view taken along line A-B in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the construction of the handbag support article 10 includes resiliently flexible core 20 and adjacent first padding layer 22. The outer surface of resiliently flexible core 20 may be fastened or bonded to first padding layer 22 using fasteners such as stitching or staples, or adhesives, heat welding, or the like. Additionally, resiliently flexible core 20 and first padding layer 22 may be integrally formed together, for example by injection molding. However, it is to be understood that resiliently flexible core 20 may simply be adjacent to first padding layer 22 without any physical connection or bond between them. Additionally, resiliently flexible core 20 and first padding layer are not necessarily immediately adjacent to one another and there may even be an intervening layer between them. When formed into cylinders, resiliently flexible core 20 is inside of and concentric with first padding layer 22, and therefore the diameter of first padding layer 22 is greater than that of resiliently flexible core 20.

[0041] Resiliently flexible core 20 and first padding layer 22 are encased within outer fabric layer 24. Outer fabric layer 24 is wrapped around resiliently flexible core 20 and first padding layer 22 and then stitched along its opposite edges so as to completely enclose the internal layers. Similarly, an outer skin layer 28 of a luxurious material may be wrapped around outer fabric layer 24 so as to completely envelope the handbag support article. In one embodiment, outer skin layer 18 is silk. Outer skin layer 28 may be stitched together along one or more seams, for example a top and/or bottom seam around upper edge 16 and bottom edge 18. In some embodiments, one of these seams may be replaced by a zipper, buttons, hook and loop, or any other type of fastener so that outer skin layer 28 is removable from the rest of the handbag support article 10. Similarly, stitching on outer fabric layer 24 may also be replaced by a zipper or other fastener so that resiliently flexible core 20, first padding layer 22, and any other internal layers may also be removed from outer fabric layer 24 and outer skin layer 28.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a cross sectional view of an alternative optional construction of the handbag support article 10, also taken along line A-B in Figure 2. The construction here is identical to that shown in Figure 4, except that it includes one additional layer. Second padding layer 26 is adjacent to the inner surface of resiliently flexible core 20, and may or may not be bonded to this surface. When formed into cylinders, second padding layer 26 is concentric with and adjacent to resiliently flexible core 20, and is concentric with first padding layer 22. As in the construction show in figure 4, the internal layers are encased within outer fabric layer 24, which itself may be enveloped by outer skin layer 28.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the handbag support article 10 which includes a bottom surface 30. This bottom surface 30 may be a fabric or mesh material, and is preferably stitched along bottom edge 18 of the handbag support article 10. When bottom surface 30 is present, handbag support article 10 doubles as a receptacle. When placed inside a handbag, the handbag support article 10 can hold items stored inside the handbag so that those items are removed when handbag support article 10 is removed.

[0044] Figure 7 shows a sheet of material used to make resiliently flexible core 20. The exact dimensions are not critical, but its length Ll is substantially greater than its width Wl. For example, the aspect ratio Ll/Wl may be approximately 5, although other aspect ratios are also contemplated.

[0045] Figure 8 shows a sheet of material used to make first padding layer 22. The exact dimensions are not critical, but its length L2 is substantially greater than its width W2. However, the width W2 of first padding layer 22 is greater than or equal to the width Wl of resiliently flexible core 20. Additionally, as first padding layer 22 forms a cylinder outside of resiliently flexible core 20, its length L2 is greater than the length Ll of resiliently flexible core 20. Finally, the aspect ratio L2/W2 of first padding layer 22 is less than the aspect ratio Ll/Wl of resiliently flexible core 20. For example, the aspect ratio L2/W2 of first padding layer 22 may be approximately 3.5, although other aspect ratios are also contemplated.

[0046] Figure 9 shows a sheet of fabric material used to make outer fabric layer 24. The exact dimensions are not critical, but its length L3 is greater than its width W3. However, the width W3 of outer fabric layer 24 is greater than the width W2 of first padding layer 22. Additionally, its length L3 is greater than the length L2 of first padding layer 22. Finally, the aspect ratio L3/W3 of outer fabric layer 24 is less than the aspect ratio L2/W2 of first padding layer. For example, the aspect ratio L3/W3 of outer fabric layer 24 may be approximately 1.8, although other aspect ratios are also contemplated. [0047] Although not shown in the figures, in embodiments having a second padding layer 26, its width W4 is substantially equal to the width W2 of first padding layer 22, and its length L4 is less than the length Ll of resiliently flexible core 20. Additionally, the width W5 and length L5 of outer skin layer 28 are respectively greater than the width W4 and length L4 of outer fabric layer 24. Finally, the aspect ratio L5/W5 of outer skin layer 28 is approximately equal to the aspect ratio L4/W4 of outer fabric layer 24, but may be slightly smaller or larger.

[0048] It is to be understood that the size of handbag support article 10 varies depending on the size of the handbag with which it is used. Obviously, if a handbag is relatively large, the handbag support article must be as well, and vice versa. In one embodiment, a relatively large handbag support article is about 8" in height and 14" in diameter, while a smaller handbag support article is about 6" in height and 9" in diameter.

[0049] To make the handbag support article 10, the following steps are employed. It is to be understood that the manufacturing steps can be performed in any conceivable order without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Resiliently flexible core 20 is formed into a cylinder by joining opposite ends. The ends may be joined together using fasteners such as stitching or stapling, using adhesives, or using heat welding or any other suitable technique. First padding layer 22 is formed into a cylinder and placed outside of the first cylinder formed by resiliently flexible core 20, adjacent to its outer surface. First padding layer 22 and resiliently flexible core 20 thus form concentric cylinders. In embodiments which include second padding layer 26, that layer is formed into a cylinder and placed inside resiliently flexible core 20, thus forming a third concentric cylinder. As with first padding layer 22, second padding layer 26 may or may not be fastened, bonded, or otherwise joined to resiliently flexible core 20.

[0050] Outer fabric layer 24 is wrapped around the cylinders formed from resiliently flexible core 20 and first padding layer 22 (and optionally second padding layer 26). The edges of outer fabric layer 24 are then joined together by any suitable method, preferably by stitching, to completely encase the inner layers. It is to be noted that this step could optionally be performed before the inner layers are formed into cylinders. In other words, outer fabric layer 24 could be wrapped around resiliently flexible core 20 and first padding layer 22 (and optionally second padding layer 26) when all of the layers are still flat sheets. Then, all of the layers are simultaneously formed into cylinders, the inner layer or layers are bonded end to end, and outer fabric layer 24 is stitched closed in order to completely envelope handbag support article 10 in a luxurious material such as silk.

[0051] Finally, outer skin layer 28 is wrapped around the outside of outer fabric layer 24, to add a luxurious outer skin to the handbag support article 10. Similar to outer fabric layer 24, outer skin layer 28 is stitched (other otherwise joined) along its edges

[0052] Optionally, one or more decorative items may be added to handbag support article 10. For example, a ruffle or other feature may be included along upper edge 16. Additionally, quilting or other textured features may be included on inner surface 14 or outer surface 12. Furthermore, outer pockets may be formed into outer skin layer 28 or outer fabric layer 24. Such pockets may contain authenticity cards for the particular handbag with which the handbag support article is used.

[0053] Various modifications and alterations of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims. For example, it should be noted that steps recited in any method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order they are recited. For example, in certain embodiments, steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying claims should be constructed with these principles in mind.

[0054] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function or "step for" performing a specified function is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112, 1 6.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A handbag support article having a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, the handbag support article comprising: a resiliently flexible cylindrical core having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first cylindrical padding layer concentric with the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and adjacent to the outer surface of the resiliently flexible cylindrical core; an outer fabric layer completely encasing the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and the first cylindrical padding layer inside the outer fabric layer; wherein the handbag support article in the compressed configuration fits inside a handbag having lateral walls, and wherein the resiliently flexible cylindrical core causes the handbag support article to expand from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration and urge the lateral walls of the handbag into a supported upright position.

2. The handbag support article of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical padding layer is immediately adjacent to the outer surface of the resiliently flexible cylindrical core.

3. The handbag support article of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the first cylindrical padding layer is directly bonded to the outer surface of the resiliently flexible cylindrical core.

4. The handbag support article of claim 1, wherein the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and the first cylindrical padding layer are substantially round cylinders.

5. The handbag support article of claim 1, wherein the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and the first cylindrical padding layer are substantially elliptical cylinders.

6. The handbag support article of claim 1, further comprising a second cylindrical padding layer concentric with the resiliently flexible cylindrical core and adjacent to the inner surface of the resiliently flexible cylindrical core, wherein the outer fabric layer further completely encases the second cylindrical padding layer inside the outer fabric layer.

7. The handbag support article of claim 1, further comprising a flexible bottom surface covering a bottom end of the handbag support article.

8. The handbag support article of claim 1, wherein the resiliently flexible cylindrical core is a polymer.

9. The handbag support article of claim 1, wherein the first cylindrical padding layer is foam rubber.

10. The handbag support article of claim 1, further comprising a silk skin layer enveloping the outer fabric layer, the resiliently flexible core, and the first padding layer.

11. The handbag support article of claim 10, further comprising a zippered opening in the silk skin layer, whereby the silk skin layer is removable from the outer fabric layer, the resiliently flexible core, and the first padding layer.

12. The handbag support article of claim 1, wherein the resiliently flexible core and the first padding layer are integrally formed together.

13. The handbag support article of claim 12, wherein the resiliently flexible core and the first padding layer are injection molded.

14. A method of manufacturing a handbag support article, the method comprising: providing a sheet of resiliently flexible material having a first length, a first width and a first aspect ratio; providing a soft padding material having a second length, a second width and a second aspect ratio, wherein the second length is greater than the first length, the second width is greater than the first width, and the second aspect ratio is less than the first aspect ratio; providing a fabric material having a third length, a third width and a third aspect ratio, wherein the third length is greater than the second length, the third width is greater than double the second width, and the third aspect ratio is less than the second aspect ratio; forming the sheet of resiliently flexible material into a first cylinder; forming the soft padding material into a second cylinder concentric with and outside of the first cylinder; encasing the sheet of resiliently flexible material and the soft padding material within the fabric material by wrapping the fabric material around the sheet of resiliently flexible material and the soft padding material and joining opposite edges of the fabric material to each other.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing a second soft padding material having a fourth length, wherein the fourth length is less than the first length; and forming the second soft padding material into a third cylinder concentric with and inside of the first cylinder.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the sheet of resiliently flexible material is a polymer.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the soft padding material is foam rubber.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first cylinder is formed by joining together opposite ends of the sheet of resiliently flexible material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first cylinder is formed by bonding opposite ends of the sheet of resiliently flexible material.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first cylinder is formed by fastening opposite ends of the sheet of resiliently flexible material with at least one fastener.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein the second cylinder is formed by joining together opposite ends of the soft padding material.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least partially joining the first cylinder to the second cylinder.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first cylinder is at least partially joined to the second cylinder by adhering the first cylinder to the second cylinder.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first cylinder is at least partially joined to the second cylinder by heat welding the first cylinder to the second cylinder.

25. The method of claim 14, further comprising joining a fabric bottom layer to a lower edge of the handbag support article, thereby closing a bottom end of the handbag support article and forming a receptacle.

26. The method of claim 14, further comprising providing a silk outer skin layer enveloping the sheet of resiliently flexible material, the soft padding material and the fabric material.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising providing a zippered opening in the silk outer skin layer, whereby the silk outer skin layer is removable from the sheet of resiliently flexible material, the soft padding material and the fabric material.